NC State has relieved head football coach Dave Doeren of his duties effective immediately, following a disappointing start to the 2026 season that saw the team win only three of its first seven games.
The dismissal ends Doeren's 14-year tenure, during which he compiled a record of 98-73 and led the Wolfpack to 11 bowl appearances. Athletic Director Boo Corrigan acted swiftly after a 31-28 loss to Stanford dropped the team to a 3-4 overall record and 1-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. Todd Goebbel has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
NC State relieved head football coach Dave Doeren of his duties effective immediately on October 24, 2026, following a disappointing three-win start to the current campaign that eroded momentum inside the program.
The dismissal ends a 14-year tenure for Doeren, who compiled a 98-73 record and guided the Wolfpack to 11 bowl appearances. Athletic Director Boo Corrigan acted swiftly after a 31-28 loss to Stanford dropped the team to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, naming Todd Goebbel as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Doeren departs as the second-longest tenured head coach in the ACC, trailing only Clemson leader Dabo Swinney. During his extensive career in Raleigh, NC, Doeren established stability within the program despite fluctuating fortunes on the gridiron. Friday night's defeat proved fatal to his position as defensive lapses and offensive stalling sealed the fate of the veteran coach.
Immediate Leadership Transition
Following the coaching change, university leadership handed interim responsibilities to Todd Goebbel. The Wolfpack face mounting pressure to salvage the remainder of their 2026 schedule with upcoming matchups against conference opponents. Players must quickly adapt to the new voice in the locker room while attempting to reverse a troubling trend of late-game execution failures on the field.
The abrupt termination contrasts sharply with previous athletic department statements regarding mid-season firings. Corrigan previously expressed reservations about dismissing coaches before campaigns conclude, noting the human toll of abrupt exits. However, shrinking margins and fan dissatisfaction forced an acceleration of the timeline after the Stanford loss.
Evaluation of Tenure
Doeren inherited a rebuilding project in 2013 and slowly constructed a competitive roster capable of contending in the Atlantic Division. His tenure featured notable victories and sustained bowl eligibility, though championship aspirations ultimately remained unfulfilled. The administration now faces a search to identify a successor who can elevate the program into national contention.
Corrigan thanked Doeren and his family for their dedication to the university over fourteen years. The search for a permanent replacement begins immediately as athletic department officials evaluate candidates to lead the ACC program into its next chapter.
The future of NC State football now hinges on the interim leadership of Todd Goebbel and the search for a new head coach who can bring renewed success to the program.